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Review of the Hunter 37-cutter by Sanders H. LaMont

Year built 1979  
Location of boat San Francisco Bay (Richmond Marina)  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. I happened on this well-cared-for Cherubini designed cutter by accident, which proves God looks out for sailors who don't always know what they are doing. This is not your average Hunter.  
Gear that's been added I added a dodger, and a new VHF radio, and modified the ground tackle. (Plans include windlass, new solid holding tank.) I added jacklines, strobes, tethers, children's PFD, handheld VHF and GPS, and Lifesling (most for ocean passages). Out in new bilge pump float switches. Previous owner added VHF, depth inside and out, TV and stereo, Autohelm 4000, radar and Raychart, ST winches, brass laterns, Weems and Plath barometer and clock and temperture, upgraded batteries, charger, Bruce anchor with spare Fortress, second set of rode/chain, microwave, dinghy, plus spare parts for everything and two additional sets of sails for windier conditions in San Francisco (30 knots is not unusual in July).   
Structural or complex improvements No, but the original owner made substantial changes. Replaced 20hp engine with 30hp 3HM Yanmar, including rebuilt engine pan and stringers; added hanging bunk in V berth; added holding tank in V berth with whale pump and thru hulls, reworked and reinforced mast step; added filter to water system; tiled shower and head; reglassed bulkhead joints throughout; and stripped and refinished entire teak and holly wood inside and out (17 ! coats of varnish). New upholsstery, and added teak trim finishes in head, around hatches and winches, etc.  
The boat's best features Safety and ease of handling, and appearance and design lines inside and out. Boats feels good and handles solidly (delivery captain put it to the testoff Point Conception). Roller furling and reefs in staysail and main make reducing sail fairly easy and quick. Roll in the jib and you tack without touching a thing. Deck is clean (no weird slopes) and rig is straightforward. This boat has proved easy to sail for a middle-aged couple! (as advertised years ago). Inside is classic in looks, with high gloss varnish finish. Very warm, and comfortable boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Original owner had problem with small engine excess vibration (and replaced it); portlights that leaked (most replaced); and was not satisfied with bracing and interior finish from the factory, so he re-glassed or redid everything himself to very high standards. Holding tank has been replaced, and rudder bearings reworked, apparently comon to this model. Yanmar 30 is (according to mechanic) not over-propped with three-bladed prop, which leads to excessive buildup/decay in elbow joint (replaced twice in 1000 hours). Prop will be re-pitched at next haulout, if confirmed.   
Sailing characterisitcs Handles well at all points of sail, but going downwind with cutter rig takes some learning of proper trim. Will sail itself when trimmed properly. Tacks and jibes easily. Traveler in the cockpit, and running back stays add flexibility and strength. In very low winds (under 6 knots) we need to dig out the drifter/reacher, but that is not a problem on San Francisco Bay where it howls in summer. I've run MOB drills that work, and figured out how to heave to. In moderate winds (above 23 knots) I reef main; and if it gets much higher, roll in the jib (Yankee) and sail it as a self-tacking sloop. That has worked for me up to 30 knots. Learned the hard way that sailing an 18,000 pound boat into the slip takes practice, and requires the mainsail. Jib alone won't bring it around. This is a cruiser, not a racer.  
Motoring characterisitcs Idle at 800 rpm, warms up at 1200, and cruises efficiently at 2400 or so (6-7 knots). Can drive it up to 8 knots at 2800 rpm, but that's excessive. Backing up creates considerable prop walk to port, but not a problem once you expect it. Can do an emergency turn to starboard in a boat length.  
Liveability I don't live aboard, except on weekends and vacations, so... Seems fine to me. The "double" bunks (port quarter berth and V berth) are too small for two full-sized adults unless they are very friendly. The settee berth makes into a double that is acceptable. In theory you could sleep 7 adults. In reality five would be my limit, unless small kids aboard. Layout is excellent. Has a full standup shower and hot water, electric head and full sized sink. Galley is classsic U shape, double stainless sinks, NorCold refirg, good work surface and a dubious kerosene stove (I like it, my wife hates it).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Did not deal with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Broker was great, a terrific help before, during and after sale. Frank Buch at Cruising World Pacific on Shelter Island in San Diego was willing to spend time with us looking, helped negotiate a good price, found experts we needed, and then helped with all the details (we were 600 miles from home), including where to stay and finding a berth in crowded San Diego. He was our broker. Now he's a friend.  
Other comments We went looking for a 30-foot "bay boat" for San Francisco sailing. Ended up in San Diego finding a much nicer, better designed 37-foot boat that will take me to Mexico and beyond when I am ready, but remains fun to daysail. Thanks to John Cherubini who designed it, the Hunter folks in Florida who built it, and the previous owner who was pround of his boat and kept it well. (Thank you Bob Adams and Marshall) Life's too short not to own a boat you can trust, and love!  

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